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Health Conditions
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease
What is on the horizon?
Research continues in the quest to more clearly identify the causes of IBD. Studies are underway that examine genetic and environmental factors that may have a role in the development of IBD. Once the exact causes of IBD are identified, new treatments and detection techniques can be developed. Researchers recently discovered a specific gene that has been linked to the development of Crohn's disease. The presence of this gene in a person is an accurate predictor of the chances for developing Crohn's disease.
Additionally, researchers are investigating a variety of new treatments for IBD. Preliminary studies of interleukin-11 have shown promising results in patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Other agents including growth hormone, nicotine patches, fish oil, budesonide (a corticosteroid), heparin, rosiglitazone (Avandia), tacrolimus, and mycophenolate mofetil (in combination with steroids) have shown some effect in IBD, but further study is warranted.
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Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not intended to diagnose a health condition, but it can be used as a guide to help you decide if you should seek professional treatment or to help you learn more about your condition once it has been diagnosed.
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What is on the horizon?
