Abstracts from Around the World

Inflammatory bowel disease is recognized as a multigenic disorder. Several genes have been uncovered including the NOD2 gene, which was the first susceptibility gene identified. The question studied here is whether one's genetic profile is predictive of long-term phenotypic expression. Two thousand eight hundred four patients with inflammatory bowel disease, the majority with Crohn's disease, were compared with a large control population. Genetic association susceptibility was tested for a variety of genes. The number of alleles was then examined with regard to disease development and severity. They again showed an association with a number of Crohn's genes. Those carrying an increased number of risk alleles not only had a higher risk of developing Crohn's disease but a more severe disease course including earlier onset of disease, stricturing, and need for surgery.