Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Remission Registry

The inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), are characterized by lifelong relapsing-remitting gastrointestinal inflammation, with symptoms of abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding during active disease. Medical therapy reduces intestinal inflammation and ameliorates symptoms. Clinical remission is defined when symptoms are resolved. In these periods, patients are able to perform daily activities more freely and lead a normal lifestyle. Biochemical remission (normalization of CRP and fecal Calprotectin) and endoscopic remission (no visual signs of inflammation of the mucosa in endoscopy) are the goals of IBD treatment. Unfortunately, 30-40% of patients will relapse during 6 months from achieving remission. Risk factors for disease exacerbation are still unknown, and no guidelines exist as to the prevention of relapse and maintenance of remission in IBD patients. In addition to the above, sleep disturbances and disturbances in the circadian rhythm can be a potential cause of flare-up. Sleep disorders cause changes in immune function, which later affect the course of the disease in IBD. This back affects the sleep pattern, so that a cycle is created, which may perpetuate the inflammation. The interactions between sleep and inflammation are complex. An effective immune system affects sleep, and sleep disorders affect the functioning of the immune system. Furthermore, changes in the biological clock and sleep deprivation have been directly shown to worsen ulcerative colitis in laboratory animals. In people with sleep disorders, high levels of inflammation were found. However, it is difficult to dissect the cause and effect for these associations, given their complex interactions. Therefore we are planning to conduct a prospective study to assess variety of factors that might be associated with the activity of IBD.