A new study from Karolinska Institutet explores the connection between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Researchers used large-scale real-world data to better understand how these two conditions influence each other.
IBD is a long-term condition that causes ongoing inflammation in the digestive tract. It includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. People with IBD often face complications beyond the gut, including kidney problems like kidney stones and inflammation of the kidneys (interstitial nephritis).
These issues may arise due to long-term inflammation, immune system problems, or side effects from certain medications.
Surgery is sometimes needed for severe IBD cases. Colectomy, a procedure to remove part of the colon, can increase the risk of kidney damage due to dehydration and imbalances in electrolytes (minerals that help regulate body functions).
While modern treatments, such as biologic drugs, have improved IBD care, some of these medications may also pose risks to kidney health. For example, vedolizumab, a commonly used drug for IBD, can in rare cases lead to kidney inflammation.
Ph.D. student Yuanhang Yang, from the Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, led the research to uncover more details about how IBD and kidney disease affect each other. Understanding these links can help doctors manage both conditions more effectively and improve patient outcomes.
Key Findings
The study highlights an urgent need for doctors to closely monitor kidney function in people with IBD. This is especially important for those who undergo colectomy or start biologic treatments like vedolizumab. Regular kidney check-ups can help detect problems early, allowing for better management and reducing the risk of long-term complications.
Why This Research Matters
Yang was drawn to this topic after noticing a lack of studies on the connection between IBD and kidney diseases. Since many people suffer from both conditions, learning more about their interaction can lead to better treatment strategies and fewer complications.
His research is among the first to look at kidney risks linked to colectomy and biologic treatments in IBD. He hopes that his findings will help shape future medical guidelines.
What’s Next?
The study suggests that hospitals and clinics should adopt clear guidelines for monitoring kidney function in IBD patients, especially those receiving biologic drugs or undergoing surgery. Future research should focus on determining the best ways and frequency to check kidney health in these patients.
More long-term studies are also needed to confirm how IBD and kidney disease affect each other over time. Scientists should investigate the role of chronic inflammation, gut bacteria changes, and immune system responses in this connection.
Collaboration between gastroenterologists and kidney specialists will be key to improving care and preventing complications.
This research marks an important step toward better understanding and managing the health risks faced by people with IBD.
If you care about kidney health, please read studies about how to protect your kidneys from diabetes, and drinking coffee could help reduce risk of kidney injury.
For more information about kidney health, please see recent studies about foods that may prevent recurrence of kidney stones, and eating nuts linked to lower risk of chronic kidney disease and death.
The research findings can be found here.
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