title: Therapeutic challenges of managing inflammatory bowel disease in the elderly patient.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The rapid advancements in the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have given clinicians many new therapeutic options. The prevalence of IBD in the elderly is increasing, and the role of these therapeutic agents in the elderly population with IBD is still uncertain.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this review, we will highlight the challenges facing clinicians managing IBD in the elderly, the considerations to take when starting new medications, when to consider for surgical referral, the potential pitfalls to avoid, and the non-pharmacological management measures that clinicians should be aware of. Expert Commentary: The safety of prescribing new IBD medications in elderly patients must be taken into consideration. Managing comorbidities, polypharmacy, functional status and drug interactions can also be challenging and requires an individualized approach.
authors.affiliation: a Mount Sinai Hospital Centre for Inflammatory Bowel Disease , University of Toronto , Toronto , Canada.
authors.forename: Osman
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Ahmed
authors.affiliation: a Mount Sinai Hospital Centre for Inflammatory Bowel Disease , University of Toronto , Toronto , Canada.
authors.forename: Geoffrey C
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Nguyen
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001688:Biological Products / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015897:Comorbidity; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects; D004347:Drug Interactions; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015212:Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D019338:Polypharmacy; D015995:Prevalence; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D001688:Biological Products; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents
keywords: Elderly; hospitalization; inflammatory bowel disease; medical management; surgery