RESUMEN
PURPOSE: The aim of the investigation was to study the characteristics of endothelial function in patients with IBD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 61 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) in the acute phase or with newly diagnosed forms of the disease were examined. CD group included 16 people (8 women and 8 men) mean age 35.63 ± 5.51 years. UC group included 45 patients (18 women and 27 men), their average age was 36.76 ± 3.17 years. To assess the endothelial dysfunction the level of microalbuminuria (MAU) was examined with Micral-Test strips. Serum concentration levels of CRP, TNF--α, alpha1 and alpha 2-globulins, fibrinogen as well as ESR were evaluated as the markers of systemic inflammation. RESULTS: In CD patients a significant increase of MAU in severe forms of the disease 32 ± 10.95 mg/I (p < 0.05). was revealed. Furthermore, MAU was significantly higher in individuals with extraintestinal manifestations and complications of CD (28.01 ± 17.89 mg/I and 20.00 ± 14.14 mg/, respectively). A significant relationship of the MAU levels and severity of CD (r = 0.797, p = 0.0002) as well as the presence of extraintestinal symptoms (r = 0.625, p = 0.0096) were identified. The evaluation of the systemic inflammation narkers showed a significant increase of CRP levels and ESR in severe forms of IBD. A positive correlation of CD with the ESR (r = 0.802, p = 0.0021), CRP (r = 0.773, p = 0.0004), alpha-2 globulin (r = 0.534, p = 0.0298) and fibrinogen (r = 0.647, p = 0.0067) was identified. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence of endothelial dysfunction in patients with IBD was revealed that was expressed in the MAU levels elevation. The MAU level can be regarded as the criterion of the CD severity as well as the sign of its unfavorable course.