[Chronic inflammatory bowel disease in elderly people].

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Inflammatory bowel disease is mainly diagnosed in younger patients. However, the number of elderly patients (age > 60 years) affected by Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis is increasing. In the elderly, symptoms often differ from the younger population. Older patients generally present a milder clinical course and are less often affected by extraintestinal disease activity. Treatment options are similar to the ones in younger patients. Due to the higher risk of drug interactions and side effects, comorbidities and comedication of the older patients play a pivotal role in the selection of the specific treatment agent. In therapy refractory disease, surgical treatment is also a valuable option for patients > 60 years. Furthermore, vaccination, prevention of infections and regular cancer screening is mandatory in this vulnerable population.