Patient Education Track - New Advances in Inflammatory Bowel Disease 2013

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, collectively known as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), are considered chronic and lifelong conditions that are characterized by alternating periods of active symptomatic disease and periods of remission. IBD is one of the five most prevalent gastrointestinal disease burdens in the United States, with an overall health care cost of more than $1.7 billion and it is estimated that more than one million people in the United States are affected by the disease. Because IBD is a lifelong condition, the importance of establishing and maintaining symptom control and remission is critical to minimizing complications. The treatment of active IBD has improved considerably, but a high rate of relapse is still associated with the disease, and maintaining remission can prove challenging to providers.

The New Advances in Inflammatory Bowel Disease conference will highlight the latest concepts in the diagnosis and treatment of IBD. Disease complications, social and psychological side effects, special population considerations, and surgical options will also be discussed. The course will be taught by nationally known experts who are actively involved in clinical trials and studies related to the management of Crohn’s and colitis. Physicians will be provided with the necessary context to integrate the relevant information into their practices to improve the quality of life for their afflicted patients.