Frequency and Clinical Implications of Pulmonary Disease in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract

Background: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) has been increasingly associated with various extraintestinal manifestations, including pulmonary complications. A potential correlation between pulmonary function and respiratory symptoms was conducted to assess the possible correlation between IBD and pulmonary abnormalities. Objective: To know the prevalence and association of different pulmonary diseases among patients with IBD. Methodology: The present study was conducted on 340 participants, divided into two groups i.e. diagnosed IBD patients (170, 50.0%) and healthy controls (170, 50.0%). Participants were assessed for any respiratory issues through the presence of any symptoms, pulmonary function tests (PFTs), and radiographic abnormalities. All data were entered into specially designed Excell sheet and transferred to SPP for statistical analyses. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: All study participants were evaluated according the study protocol and results found a significantly higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms among IBD patients compared to the control group. Pulmonary function test results revealed lower mean forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) (2.13±0.03 vs. 2.50±0.03, p=0.032) and forced vital capacity (FVC) (3.21±0.03 vs. 3.60±0.03, p=0.027) in IBD patients. Additionally, carbon monoxide (DLCO) diffusion capacity was notably reduced in the IBD group (78.1±0.03% vs. 92.4±0.03%, p=0.019). Chest radiographs indicated a higher incidence of bronchiectasis and interstitial lung changes in the IBD group than controls. Conclusion: This study provides a significant association between Inflammatory Bowel Disease and pulmonary disease, emphasizing the importance of pulmonary assessments in Inflammatory Bowel Disease patients. Given the observed pulmonary function impairments and increased respiratory symptoms in IBD patients, clinicians should consider comprehensive respiratory evaluations as part of the standard management protocol.