ISSN : 2663-2187

Inflammatory Bowel Disease in a Pemphigus Vulgaris Survivor

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Erlangga A. Satriyo, Amie Vidyani
» doi: 10.33472/AFJBS.6.6.2024.7225-7242

Abstract

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, caused by an abnormal immune response to gut bacteria in genetically predisposed individuals. The complex pathogenesis involves genetic, environmental, and immunological factors, leading to chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, which manifests as abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue, potentially resulting in complications like strictures and colorectal cancer. Advances in genetic and microbiome research are crucial for understanding IBD's mechanisms and developing targeted therapies, offering hope for personalized treatments. Globally, the incidence and prevalence of IBD are rising, making it a significant health concern. Additionally, patients with IBD have an increased risk of other autoimmune diseases, such as Pemphigus vulgaris, highlighting the need for comprehensive patient histories and vigilant monitoring. This research utilized the case report method to detail the clinical journey of a 70-year-old male from Surabaya, East Java, whose diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) was followed by the onset of Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) 11 years later. The patient's medical history, including symptoms, diagnostic procedures, treatments, and outcomes, was meticulously documented through medical record reviews and patient interviews, highlighting the intersection of IBD and PV and offering valuable insights into the coexistence of multiple autoimmune diseases. This research found that a 70-year-old man from Surabaya, East Java, who had survived Pemphigus Vulgaris diagnosed 11 years earlier, later developed Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). He presented with gastrointestinal symptoms leading to a colonoscopy, which revealed a cobblestone appearance throughout the colon, caecum, and ileocaecal junction, confirmed by biopsy findings of ulcers, cryptitis, and crypt abscesses. The patient was treated with oral mesalazine and methylprednisolone, which significantly improved his symptoms, prompting his request for discharge. This case highlights the importance of vigilant long-term monitoring and comprehensive care for survivors of chronic autoimmune diseases, underscoring the need for timely and appropriate therapeutic interventions to manage IBD effectively.

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