Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease (CD) - chronic, recurrent disease of the gastrointestinal tract of unclear etiology, characterized by transmural, segmental, granulomatous inflammation with the development of local and systemic complications.

The etiology of Crohn's disease is not established. The disease develops as a result of a combination of several factors, including

• genetic predisposition,
• defects of innate and acquired immunity,
• changes in the intestinal microflora
• and various environmental factors.

With CD, any part of the gastrointestinal tract can be affected-from the oral cavity to the anus.

Risk factorsthat can trigger the development of CD include:

• smoking,
• nervous stress,
• vitamin D deficiency,
• low-fiber and high-protein foods with high levels of animal protein,
• intestinal infections,
• especially Clostridium difficile infection.

There are no unambiguous diagnostic criteria for CD. The most common clinical symptoms of CD include: 

• chronic diarrhea (more than 6 weeks), in most cases, without blood admixture, 
• abdominal pain, 
• fever, 
• decrease in the level of hemoglobin in the blood serum,
• the presence of perianal complications (chronic anal fissures that recur after surgical treatment, paraproctitis, rectal fistulas).

To confirm the diagnosis of CD, a comprehensive examination is necessary (a study of general and biochemical blood tests, a fecal analysis for Clostridium difficile A and B toxins, a colonoscopy with an examination of the ileum, MRI, CT with intestinal contrast) and a specialist consultation.

Therapeutic measures for CD include

• prescribing medications,
• surgical treatment,
• psychosocial support
• dietary recommendations

and they can only be carried out under the supervision of a specialist.

In the Moscow Clinical Scientific Center named after A. S. Loginov, the treatment of patients with CD is carried out by specialists of the Department of Treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases and the Department of Coloproctology. 

Do not delay your visit to the specialists of our Center. This will help to diagnose the disease in a timely manner and choose the right treatment tactics. Doctors of the department of treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases of the State Medical Institution of the Moscow State Medical Center named after A. S. Loginov are always ready to help you.