Tran V¹, Limketkai BN^1,2,3, Sauk JS^4,5,6. Curr Gastroenterol Rep. 2019 Nov 27;21(11):60. doi: 10.1007/s11894-019-0720-7.

Author information

1 Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.

2 Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.

3 UCLA Center for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.

4 Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA. jsauk@mednet.ucla.edu.

5 Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA. jsauk@mednet.ucla.edu.

6 UCLA Center for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA. jsauk@mednet.ucla.edu.

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Elderly patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are increasing in prevalence as our population ages and the incidence of IBD increases. The purpose of this review is to describe the management challenges in elderly IBD patients, including comorbid conditions and therapeutic considerations unique to the elderly population.

RECENT FINDINGS: The elderly experience coexisting comorbidities that complicate IBD management. The disease course and potential side effects of treatments can impact the elderly IBD patient differently than younger IBD patients. The duration for colorectal cancer surveillance (CRC) also remains controversial and should be individualized to determine when discontinuation is appropriate. Given greater safety considerations in the elderly IBD population, treatment targets and management goals require a more personalized approach in the elderly, taking into account coexisting comorbidities, inflammatory burden, and functional limitations.