Abstract

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis belong to a group of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). IBD are characterized by a chronic character of inflammatory process and overlapping immunological abnormalities, which, along with therapeutic strategies are currently available, underlie an increased risk of venous thromboembolic events (VTE). The most common sites of VTE in IBD patients are deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). These complications are particularly important in clinical practice due to a very high mortality rate. Therefore, an early diagnosis of new IBD cases and the control of inflammatory process are thought to play a crucial role in risk reduction for thromboembolic events. Despite considerable evidence supporting the association between IBD and VTE, there is still a lack of recognition of this risk, with dangerous consequences for patients. In this paper authors report three cases of VTE in IBD patients and discuss the most relevant clinical studies found in MEDLINE, Cochrane Library and EMBASE regarding its prevention and management.

Keywords: Anticoagulants, inflammatory bowel diseases, low molecular weight heparin, thromboembolic prophylaxis, venous thromboembolism.