Clinical Features of Crohn's Disease

Primary Gastrointestinal Manifestations

The entire gastrointestinal tract can be affected, with the terminal ileum and colon being the most commonly affected sites, according to the European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation 1, 3
Abdominal pain is a cardinal symptom present in most patients, typically colicky in nature, as reported by the American Gastroenterological Association 4
Perianal disease, including fistulas, abscesses, and perianal involvement, occurs in up to a third of patients, as noted by the American College of Radiology 5
Intestinal obstruction may develop due to strictures from progressive structural damage, as reported by the American College of Radiology 5

Systemic symptoms, such as malaise, anorexia, and fever, are more common in Crohn's disease than in ulcerative colitis, according to the British Society of Gastroenterology 4
The disease course is characterized by exacerbations and remissions, with 50% of patients experiencing a relapse in any given year, as reported by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence 4

The disease severity can range from mild to severe, with severe disease potentially being life-threatening, as noted by the American Gastroenterological Association 3, 4

About 75% of patients are fully capable of work in the year after diagnosis, but 15% may be unable to work after 5-10 years, according to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation 4
There is a high incidence of psychological morbidity in both children and adults with Crohn's disease, as reported by the European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation 1, 3

At least 50% of patients require surgical treatment in the first 10 years, and approximately 70-80% will require surgery within their lifetime, as noted by the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons 4
There is a slightly higher mortality than the normal population, greatest in the first 2 years after diagnosis or in those with upper gastrointestinal disease, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence 4
Patients with Crohn's colitis have an increased risk of colorectal cancer, as reported by the American Cancer Society 4