The Challenges in Treating Inflammatory Bowel Diseases During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Opinion

Jonatan Vukovic; Ivana Jukic; Ante Tonkic

doi:10.3390/jcm13237128

The Challenges in Treating Inflammatory Bowel Diseases During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Opinion

J Clin Med. 2024 Nov 25;13(23):7128. doi: 10.3390/jcm13237128.

Authors

Jonatan Vukovic^{1

2}, Ivana Jukic^{1

3}, Ante Tonkic^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Internal Clinic, Clinical Hospital Centre Split, Spinciceva 1, 21000 Split, Croatia.
² Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia.
³ University Department of Health Studies, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia.

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges in the treatment of chronic diseases, particularly inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. These challenges are multifaceted, encompassing difficulties in maintaining routine care, concerns about the safety of immunosuppressive therapies, disruptions in healthcare delivery, and the complexities of managing IBD in patients who contract COVID-19. This article explores the various obstacles faced in the treatment of IBD during the pandemic and discusses potential strategies to overcome these challenges.

Keywords: COVID-19; Crohn’s disease; SARS-CoV-2 infection; healthcare challenges; inflammatory bowel diseases; pandemic; treatment; ulcerative colitis.

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.