Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
4.6
2.9
Journals
Medicina
Special Issues
Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
share announcement

Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

A Special Issue of Medicina (ISSN 1648-9144) belonging to the section "Gastroenterology & Hepatology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 August 2026) | Viewed by 4151

Editors

Dr. Georgios Kokkotis

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
GI-Unit, 3rd Academic Department of Internal Medicine, Sotiria Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
Interests: gastroenterology; inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD); Crohn’s disease; ulcerative colitis; intestinal ultrasound
Dr. Evanthia Zampeli

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Gastroenterology, Alexandra General Hospital, 11528 Athens, Greece
Interests: irritable colon; diarrhea; ulcerative colitis; Crohn's disease; digestive system function disorder
Dr. Spyros I. Siakavellas

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
2nd Academic Department of Internal Medicine, Liver-GI Unit, General Hospital of Athens “Hippocration”, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 114 Vas. Sofias Str, 11527 Athens, Greece
Interests: cancer; immunotherapy; hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); glucocorticoid-induced TNFR-related protein (GITR); anti-GITR monoclonal antibodies

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to invite you to submit your work for this Special Issue centred around Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. The increasing prevalence of IBD has made the elucidation of its pathophysiology and the development of effective therapies an absolute necessity. Prompt diagnosis is particularly crucial, as early initiation of treatment is believed to modify the natural course of the disease.

This Special Issue will focus on clinically significant original research articles and reviews intended for general practitioners and IBD specialists. Submissions should explore in greater depth the diagnosis of IBD, optimal follow-up strategies, and current therapeutic options. In addition to clinical, biochemical and endoscopic parameters, particular emphasis should be given to intestinal ultrasound. Its ease of use, low cost and strong correlation with endoscopic findings have established it as an emerging tool for the diagnosis and monitoring of IBD. Regarding treatment, this Special Issue also welcomes studies focused on newer therapeutic classes—such as small molecules and IL-23 inhibitors—for which real-world data on efficacy and safety remail limited. Finally, we welcome articles that examine the potential value of the “treat-to-target” approach and its impact on clinical practice.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Georgios Kokkotis
Dr. Evanthia Zampeli
Dr. Spyros I. Siakavellas
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Medicina is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • intestinal ultrasound
  • biomarkers
  • treat-to-target
  • tight monitoring
  • small molecules
  • anti-p19

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (4 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

15 pages, 972 KB  
Article
Efficacy and Safety of Ozanimod in Ulcerative Colitis: A Real-World Pan-Hellenic Study
by Pavlos Pardalis, Alexandros Ioannou, Theodoros Delidis, Georgios Kokkotis, Georgios Leonidakis, Georgios Axiaris, Konstantinos Argyriou, Anthia Gatopoulou, Olga Giouleme, Nikolaos Kalakos, Pantelis Karatzas, Ioanna Nefeli Mastorogianni, Andreas Kapsoritakis, Efrosini Laoudi, Panagiotis Markopoulos, Konstantinos Katsanos, Georgios Michalopoulos, Konstantinos Mousourakis, Georgios Bamias, Georgios Papatheodoridis, Ioanna Papatzelou, Konstantinos Soufleris, Maria Tzouvala, Eftychia Tsironi, Ioannis Psaroudakis, Angeliki Theodoropoulou, Alexandra Varka, Nikos Viazis, Eirini Zacharopoulou, Konstantinos Karmiris, Ioannis Koutroubakis, Spyridon Michopoulos and Evanthia Zampeliadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Medicina 2026, 62(9), 1711; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62091711 - 6 Sep 2026
Viewed by 561
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Ozanimod is approved for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical, biochemical, and endoscopic outcomes. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective, multicenter, cohort study. Clinical, biochemical, endoscopic, [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Ozanimod is approved for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical, biochemical, and endoscopic outcomes. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective, multicenter, cohort study. Clinical, biochemical, endoscopic, and safety data were collected from medical records. Τhe primary outcome was clinical response at week 12. Secondary outcomes included clinical remission, endoscopic improvement and remission, biochemical outcomes, treatment persistence, and safety. Clinical outcomes were assessed at weeks 12 and 48, while treatment persistence was evaluated over the complete 48-week follow-up period, using Kaplan–Meier analysis. Clinical response was defined as a ≥30% reduction in partial Mayo score and remission as a partial Mayo score < 3, with no individual sub-score > 1 and a rectal bleeding sub-score of 0. Clinical response and remission were primarily assessed using an observed-case approach, with an additional sensitivity analysis classifying discontinuations due to lack of efficacy as treatment failures. Results: A total of 79 patients were included (62.0% male; median age 44 years, IQR 31–56). Prior biologic exposure was recorded in 29.1%, and 64.6% were previously exposed to oral corticosteroids. Among patients with available clinical assessment at week 12 (n = 62), clinical response and clinical remission were achieved in 77.4% and 71.0%, respectively. Among patients with available data at week 12 (n = 32), endoscopic improvement was observed in 65.6%, while endoscopic remission was achieved in 15.6%. At week 48, among 26 evaluable patients, clinical response and remission rates were 96.2% and 84.6%, respectively; when discontinuations due to lack of efficacy were considered treatment failures, the corresponding rates were 52.1% and 45.8%. Treatment persistence did not differ significantly according to overall prior biologic exposure, whereas previous vedolizumab exposure was associated with lower treatment persistence over the week 48 follow-up (log-rank p = 0.037). In multivariable Cox regression, previous vedolizumab exposure remained associated with an increased hazard of treatment discontinuation (adjusted HR 3.07, 95% CI 1.23–7.67; p = 0.016). Adverse events were reported in 13.9% of patients. Conclusions: Ozanimod demonstrated good efficacy and a favorable safety profile in patients with moderate UC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD))
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

20 pages, 2109 KB  
Article
Pharmacological Strategies for Preventing Postoperative Recurrence in Crohn’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
by Wei Chen, Xin Tong, Yuhang Liu, Xi Zhang, Siying Zhu, Yanhua Zhou, Yongdong Wu and Ye Zong
Medicina 2026, 62(5), 883; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62050883 - 5 May 2026
Viewed by 1035
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Despite surgical intervention for remission, recurrence is nearly inevitable in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD). While several maintenance therapies are available, the optimal strategy for preventing postoperative recurrence remains uncertain. Materials and Methods: This systematic review and network [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Despite surgical intervention for remission, recurrence is nearly inevitable in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD). While several maintenance therapies are available, the optimal strategy for preventing postoperative recurrence remains uncertain. Materials and Methods: This systematic review and network meta-analysis included placebo-controlled or head-to-head randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central up to 4 July 2024. Studies assessed maintenance therapies for CD after curative resection. Data were extracted from intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analyses separately. The primary outcomes were endoscopic and clinical relapse. A Bayesian network meta-analysis provided risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). This study is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024629013). Results: From 1492 screened records, 45 randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria. Compared with placebo, clinically significant prevention of clinical recurrence was achieved with adalimumab (RR = 0.17; GRADE High), nitroimidazoles (RR = 0.35; High), infliximab (RR = 0.59; Moderate), thiopurine analogs (RR = 0.41; Moderate), and high-dose mesalamine (RR = 0.74; High), while azathioprine-metronidazole combination therapy demonstrated superior efficacy to azathioprine monotherapy. For endoscopic recurrence mitigation, therapeutic efficacy was confirmed for adalimumab (RR = 0.24; Low), infliximab (RR = 0.32; Moderate), vedolizumab (RR = 0.36; Low), and thiopurine analogs (RR = 0.64; Moderate). Conclusions: This network meta-analysis establishes pharmacological hierarchies for preventing postoperative Crohn’s disease recurrence. Adalimumab is the most effective monotherapy for clinical recurrence prevention, while combination therapies of adalimumab/azathioprine plus nitroimidazole show superior efficacy. For endoscopic recurrence prevention, adalimumab also ranks as the most effective intervention. These findings guide therapy selection but require validation for newer agents through randomized trials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD))
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

30 pages, 511 KB  
Review
Beyond the Intestinal Mucosa in Long-Standing Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Consequences of Chronic Inflammation and Endoscopic Approaches to Diagnosis and Management
by Sabina Gabriela Luca, Oana Cristina Petrea, Cristina Muzica, Ana Maria Singeap, Ana Maria Buzuleac, Adriana Dunca, Alexandru Sebastian Cotleț, Simona Stefania Juncu and Anca Trifan
Medicina 2026, 62(6), 1208; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62061208 - 22 Jun 2026
Viewed by 888
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), chronic immune-mediated conditions of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by alternating periods of disease activity and remission with a complex multifactorial pathogenesis. Persistent intestinal inflammation in IBD is a key driver of [...] Read more.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), chronic immune-mediated conditions of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by alternating periods of disease activity and remission with a complex multifactorial pathogenesis. Persistent intestinal inflammation in IBD is a key driver of disease progression and is strongly associated with the development of complications such as dysplasia, colorectal cancer (CRC), intestinal strictures, and fistulas. It may also result in changes in anorectal function, identifiable and classifiable using high-resolution anorectal manometry. Histologic and endoscopic assessments are essential for the evaluation of intestinal inflammation. Cumulative inflammatory burden (CIB) is an important concept that quantifies inflammatory exposure in IBD over time by integrating the severity and duration of histologic inflammation across the disease course, highlighting the importance of long-term inflammatory activity in the development of CRC. Histologic healing may be an important therapeutic target in IBD to reduce the risk of long-term complications. In parallel, emerging precision medicine approaches aim to improve risk stratification and enable early, individualized interventions to reduce disease-related outcomes. Endoscopy also plays a fundamental role in monitoring high-risk patients and guiding treatment decisions. This review aims to characterize the main intestinal complications extending beyond the mucosa that are associated with cumulative chronic inflammation in patients with IBD, including dysplasia, CRC, strictures, fistulas, and anorectal dysfunction in an era increasingly focused on achieving complete mucosal healing. Particular attention is drawn to the significant role of persistent histologic and endoscopic inflammation in disease progression and development of complications, highlighting the specific features and associated risk factors of these disease-related outcomes. Throughout, this review emphasizes the fundamental role of endoscopy in the timely detection, monitoring, and therapeutic management of IBD-related complications, thereby reinforcing its role in comprehensive patient care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD))
16 pages, 850 KB  
Review
Ear, Nose, and Throat Manifestations in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Spectrum
by Eleni Litsou, Georgios Psychogios, Maria Saridi, Konstantinos H. Katsanos and Fotios Fousekis
Medicina 2026, 62(5), 943; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62050943 - 12 May 2026
Viewed by 1113
Abstract
Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), represents a chronic immune-mediated disorder frequently associated with extraintestinal manifestations. While musculoskeletal, dermatologic, and ocular complications are well recognized, ear, nose, and throat (ENT) involvement remains underrecognized despite its [...] Read more.
Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), represents a chronic immune-mediated disorder frequently associated with extraintestinal manifestations. While musculoskeletal, dermatologic, and ocular complications are well recognized, ear, nose, and throat (ENT) involvement remains underrecognized despite its potential morbidity. Objective: To systematically evaluate the spectrum of ENT manifestations in IBD, focusing on clinical presentation, diagnostic approaches, and outcomes. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Eligible studies included English-language human studies (2015–2026) reporting ENT manifestations in UC or CD. Following screening, 23 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. Extracted data comprised study design, IBD subtype, patient demographics, ENT manifestations, diagnostic methods, and clinical outcomes. Results: The majority of studies consisted of case reports and small observational series. Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) was the most frequently reported manifestation in both adult and pediatric populations, with evidence suggesting immune-mediated mechanisms and variable responsiveness to corticosteroids. Nasal involvement included pyoderma gangrenosum, pyoderma vegetans, and aseptic nasal septal abscess, occasionally resulting in severe structural complications such as saddle-nose deformity. Laryngeal and airway involvement included dysphonia, tracheitis, and rare but potentially life-threatening inflammatory airway disease. Additional findings included associations with chronic rhinosinusitis. Diagnosis relied on audiometry, imaging, endoscopy, and histopathology. Systemic corticosteroids were frequently effective; however, delayed recognition may lead to irreversible sequelae. Conclusions: ENT manifestations in IBD constitute a clinically heterogeneous but important group of extraintestinal complications. Increased awareness of ENT manifestations may support earlier diagnosis and multidisciplinary management of IBD, potentially reducing irreversible complications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD))
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-4
Back to TopTop