Exploring the relationships between inflammatory response and coagulation cascade in inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUND The inflammatory network and the coagulation cascade are strictly correlated biological systems. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) are characterised by a prothrombotic state, a hypercoagulability state and an increased prevalence of thromboembolic events. METHODS We reviewed the IBD literature in which the relationships between inflammation and coagulation were evaluated. RESULTS Several risk factors and mechanisms have been suggested to be implicated in determining the increased risk for thrombosis of IBD. Even if IBD may be per se a prothrombotic condition, systemic inflammation and vitamin deficiencies appear to play a relevant role in determining such a risk. CONCLUSIONS A good and continuous control of the intestinal disease and vitamin supplementation are strongly recommended in order to correct some of the risk factors for thrombosis in IBD patients.