IBD SUPPORT

NEWER TREATMENTS

Arguably the most important advance in recent years has been the increased use of drugs called anti-TNF (such as Infliximab and Adalimumab). These biological drugs remove a protein called TNF from the bloodstream before it can reach the intestines and cause inflammation. In studies, antiTNF seems particularly helpful in patients with severe disease.

In 2015, a new drug was approved for use in adult patients with severe Crohn’s disease who don’t improve with conventional treatments. This Interleukin 10 (IL-10) is a naturally occurring protein that reduces inflammation. Researchers are studying the effectiveness of synthetic IL-10 in treating Crohn’s disease.

Other studies are under way to determine whether zinc supplementation might reduce symptoms in IBD due to its ability to remove free radicals from the blood.

Ongoing work on probiotics have produced some promising results but further trials are needed before recommendations can be made on the routine use of probiotics, or any of these newer treatments in IBD patients.

Jewish Digest is a new Crohn’s and colitis charity, set up with the Jewish community in mind. It is headed by Jonathan Jay, Deborah Eckstein and Adam Levine. Dr Levine is currently researching the possible causes of Crohn’s disease and colitis, at UCL.

Jewish Digest hopes to raise awareness, reduce stigma and provide sufferers and their families with the support they need to cope with their condition. Its website — jewishdigest.org — offers information about IBD, lifestyle advice and summaries of recent and ongoing research. It also has articles from medical professionals, interviews with people living with IBD and gut-friendly recipes and ideas. The charity has just received funding for an IBD helpline. On Wednesday and Thursday evenings, an IBD nurse will be on hand to answer questions online or by phone.

Jewish Digest will also be hosting events and hopes to raise awareness and ideally to fund research projects that will eventually find a cure. You can find the charity on Facebook or Twitter and sign up to the email list at jewishdigest.org

The charity is working with Crohn’s and Colitis UK, a national charity whose resources can also be accessed via the Jewish Digest site.