Management of patients with inflammatory bowel disease during the covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

The pandemic caused by the SARS-Cov-2 virus originating in Wuhan, capital of the province of Hubei (China), has become a challenge for humanity. It is a highly contagious virus and up to now the COVID-19 disease has an overall mortality of around 6 %, which is higher in patients with comorbidities. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a disabling pathology, with tissue damage and impaired immune response, which, associated with immunosuppressive drugs that are frequently used for their treatment, put the patient at risk of developing infections and complications. In this review we consider the interaction of the SARS-CoV-2 virus with the gastrointestinal tract and the potential mechanisms whereby a patient with IBD could have an increased risk of COVID-19 infection. Additionally, and despite the fact that there are no published clinical studies in patients with IBD and COVID-19, we make recommendations based on the opinion of experts on the care of patients with IBD, with an emphasis on its treatment and the safe performance of endoscopic procedures, both for the patient and the health personnel.