Lv H, Li HY, Zhang HN, Liu Y. Delayed diagnosis in inflammatory bowel disease: Time to consider solutions. World J Gastroenterol 2024; 30(35): 3954-3958 [DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i35.3954]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Yang Liu, MD, Academic Editor, Associate Professor, Doctor, Surgeon, Department of General Surgery, Xi'an Jiaotong University Second Affiliated Hospital, No. 157 Xiwulu, Xi'an 710004, Shaanxi Province, China. liu-yang@xjtu.edu.cn
Research Domain of This Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Article-Type of This Article
Editorial
Open-Access Policy of This Article
This article is an open-access article which was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
World J Gastroenterol. Sep 21, 2024; 30(35): 3954-3958 Published online Sep 21, 2024. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i35.3954
Delayed diagnosis in inflammatory bowel disease: Time to consider solutions
Hao Lv, Hao-Yu Li, Hao-Nan Zhang, Yang Liu
Hao Lv, Hao-Yu Li, Hao-Nan Zhang, Yang Liu, Department of General Surgery, Xi'an Jiaotong University Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an 710004, Shaanxi Province, China
Co-first authors: Hao Lv and Hao-Yu Li.
Author contributions: Lv H and Li HY contribute equally to this study as co-first authors. Liu Y designed the overall concept and outline of the manuscript; Lv H drafted and submitted the manuscript; Li HY edited the manuscript; Zhang HN reviewed the manuscript; all authors revised and approved the final manuscript.
Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors reported no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
Open-Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Yang Liu, MD, Academic Editor, Associate Professor, Doctor, Surgeon, Department of General Surgery, Xi'an Jiaotong University Second Affiliated Hospital, No. 157 Xiwulu, Xi'an 710004, Shaanxi Province, China. liu-yang@xjtu.edu.cn
Received: July 8, 2024 Revised: August 18, 2024 Accepted: September 3, 2024 Published online: September 21, 2024 Processing time: 66 Days and 20.8 Hours
Abstract
In this editorial, we discuss a recently published manuscript by Blüthner et al in the World Journal of Gastroenterology, with a specific focus on the delayed diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD, which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is a chronic intestinal disorder. A time lag may exist between the onset of inflammation and the appearance of signs and symptoms, potentially leading to an incorrect or delayed diagnosis, a situation referred to as the delayed diagnosis of IBD. Early diagnosis is crucial for effective patient treatment and prognosis, yet delayed diagnosis remains common. The reasons for delayed diagnosis of IBD are numerous and not yet fully understood. One key factor is the nonspecific nature of IBD symptoms, which can easily be mistaken for other conditions. Additionally, the lack of specific diagnostic methods for IBD contributes to these delays. Delayed diagnosis of IBD can result in numerous adverse consequences, including increased intestinal damage, fibrosis, a higher risk of colorectal cancer, and a decrease in the quality of life of the patient. Therefore, it is essential to diagnose IBD promptly by raising physician awareness, enhancing patient education, and developing new diagnostic methods.
Core Tip: Inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, is a chronic intestinal condition. Early diagnosis is vital but often delayed owing to nonspecific symptoms and limited diagnostic tools. Delayed diagnosis exacerbates symptoms, increases risks such as cancer, and reduces quality of life. To improve outcomes, early diagnosis through enhanced physician awareness, patient education, and the development of advanced diagnostic methods is crucial.
