Review article: Prevention of inflammatory bowel disease—The path forward

Background

The possibility of preventing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is becoming more plausible due to advances in understanding preclinical disease and successful prevention trials in other immune-mediated diseases, such as type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. However, before that possibility becomes reality, several efforts need to occur in parallel and in a coordinated way.

Aim

To propose some critical steps necessary for advancing the field of IBD prediction and prevention.

Methods

We reviewed the current literature to identify the necessary steps toward a preventive strategy for IBD.

Results

The first step should determine the most robust predictive biomarkers and validate them across independent cohorts, creating a multidimensional predictive tool. The second step is to gain a better understanding of the preferences of first-degree relatives and people at risk for IBD, informing the implementation of screening and preventive strategies. Third, these efforts should contribute to the development of high-risk clinics and establish the necessary networks for disease prevention trials.

Conclusions

Advancing the field of IBD prediction and prevention will require a multifaceted approach, integrating biomarker discovery, understanding patient preferences, and establishing infrastructure for a collaborative network to support the practical implementation of IBD prevention strategies.