Sepsis in IBD: What you should know For people with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, everyday life is often [...]

Sepsis in IBD: what you should know

For people with Crohn's disease or Ulcerative colitis the focus is often on everyday life with diarrhea, pain or fatigue. However, serious complications can also occur - including Sepsis (often also called blood poisoning or bloodstream infection). Sepsis is an excessive immune response of the body to an existing infection. Untreated sepsis always leads to death; the earlier sepsis is treated, the greater the chance of survival. In this article we would like to explain it to you in an understandable way, what sepsis means in the context of IBD, Which risk factors play a role and How to stay mindfulwithout having to worry all the time.

The picture shows the content creator Conny. She is wearing a black T-shirt and jeans. She is sitting in a wheelchair and smiling at the camera. She has suffered a chronic inflammatory bowel disease and sepsis. This article, which also uses Conny's picture, is about sepsis in IBD, how to recognize it and why it is so relevant for IBD.
Contents
  1. Sepsis in IBD: what you should know
  2. What is sepsis?
  3. Why is sepsis relevant in IBD?
  4. What are possible triggers for sepsis in IBD?
  5. Who is particularly at risk of sepsis?
  6. What are the signs of sepsis?
  7. What can I do to recognize sepsis in IBD at an early stage?
  8. Important:
  9. Conclusion

What is sepsis?

Sepsis is a Excessive reaction of the body to an infectionin which the immune system attacks the body's own tissue. This can lead to multi-organ failure or serious life-threatening complications such as myocarditis or meningitis. After surviving sepsis, around 75% of all survivors experience late effects such as amputations, cognitive impairment, fatigue and polyneuropathy. The consequences are manifold and vary from patient to patient.

Why is sepsis relevant in IBD?

A systematic analysis of intensive care recordings at the Technical University of Munich has shown: CED-specific complications (such as perforation or electrolyte imbalance) and Septic courses are among the most common reasons for inpatient intensive care treatment. It becomes particularly critical when sepsis occurs in conjunction with ongoing immunosuppression.

What are possible triggers for sepsis in IBD?

Infections in the intestinal area

z.e.g. in the case of perforations or fistulas

Immunosuppressive therapyn

that can weaken the body's own defenses

Opportunistic infections

such as Candida sepsis, pneumocystis or varicella pneumonia

Who is particularly at risk of sepsis?

The TU Munich analysis identified risk factors such as:

  • Older age at initial diagnosis or intensive care admission

  • Previous operations on the bowel

  • Crohn's disease as an underlying disease
     These factors were more frequently associated with a severe course or increased mortality.

What are the signs of sepsis?

The picture shows the various symptoms that can occur with sepsis. The symptoms are not specialized to sepsis in IBD, i.e. they occur in general.

For people with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, there are clear medical recommendations for Early detection. In both cases, the regular Colonoscopy (colonoscopy) regardless of whether acute symptoms are present or not.

For people with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, there are clear medical recommendations for Early detection. In both cases, the regular Colonoscopy (colonoscopy) regardless of whether acute symptoms are present or not.

What can I do to recognize sepsis in IBD at an early stage?

  • Discuss regularly with your specialist whether your current therapy is a good fit for your situation.
  • Watch out for warning signs such as fever, severe fatigue, accelerated breathing or confusion - especially if you are receiving immunosuppressive treatment.
  • If you suspect you have an infection, have a medical examination at an early stage.

Important:

The decision about immunosuppressive drugs is always individual - in certain cases they are essential for disease control. However, the data shows that careful patient selection and close monitoring are crucial for safety.

Conclusion

Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening complication that can occur in severe infections - regardless of the underlying disease. If you have IBD, you should remain vigilant, especially if you have a fever, chills or unusual weakness. If you are well informed, know your symptoms and work closely with your medical team, you can minimize the risk. It's not about fear - it's about Knowledge that strengthens.

Sources

Akobeng AK, Zachos M. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha antibody for induction of remission in Crohn's disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2004; (1):CD003574

Bokemeyer B. CED treatment in Germany. The Gastroenterologist 2007; 6:447-455

Herrmann G. (2008). Life-threatening complications in chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Dissertation TU Munich

Huber, W. et al. (2010). Life-threatening complications of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift, 135(14), 668-674. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0030-1251915

Testimonial Conny (@connyyy_76, Instagram)

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