1. To understand normal physiology of the gastrointestinal tract
2. To review the etiopathogenesis of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
3. To emphasize the different modalities to diagnose Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
4. To have an overview of the most commonly used clinical and endoscopic activity scores for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Although extra-intestinal manifestations are common, inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) typically affect the intestine. Where ulcerative colitis (UC) is limited to the colon, Crohn’s disease (CD) may involve all parts of the gastrointestinal tract (mouth, oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum). Consequently, the function of all these segments may be compromised.

Although the exact etiopathogenesis of IBD has not been unravelled, the prevailing model states that IBD is driven by environmental factors in genetically susceptible individuals, resulting in a dysregulated immune response towards the intestinal microbiome.

Besides a good clinical history and physical examination, several diagnostic tools will help the physician to diagnose IBD. These tools include lab test (both blood and faeces), radiological examination (ultrasound, CT and MR scan), and endoscopy with biopsies for histological examination.

Clinical disease activity of CD and UC, are most commonly assessed using the Harvey-Bradshaw index and the Mayo score, respectively. However, patient reported outcomes become more frequently implemented. Also endoscopic disease activity indices have been introduced in daily clinical care. For CD, the Crohn’s disease endoscopic index of severity (CDEIS), the simple endoscopic score for Crohn’s disease (SES-CD), and the Rutgeerts score are used. For UC, the Mayo score and the ulcerative colitis endoscopic index of severity (UCEIS) are employed. C-reactive protein (CRP) and faecal calprotectin could be regarded as surrogate markers for endoscopic disease activity, but their accuracy is not optimal.

Artificial Intelligence and Digital Pathology are rapidly growing disciplines that have the potential to revolutionise the field of inflammatory bowel disease. ML and DL approaches offer the ability to synthesise and incorporate large amounts of data to improve diagnostic accuracy, uncover new disease associations, identify at risk individuals, and guide therapeutic decision making. While challenges to the routine use of DP and AI in IBD remain, continued exploration of possible applications are expected to accelerate the drive toward precision medicine.
-To understand basic principles of Digital Pathology and Artificial Intelligence.
-To review pros and cons of DP and AI.
-To have an overview of DP and AI in IBD pathology.

1. To understand the similarity between both types of IBD regarding structural and functional damage
2. To review the risk of intestinal cancer in both types of IBD
3. To review the prevalence of extra-intestinal manifestations (EIMs) in both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
4. To emphasise the impact that both UC and CD can have on patient's life (quality of life, disability, fatigue, anxiety/depression, work productivity)
5. To have an overview of the economic burden of IBD in 2021

1. To understand the background and benefits of Patient centered care

2. To review the evidence of Patient centered care

3. To learn about both benefits and disadvantages with patient involvement when developing guidelines

Dr. Neeraj Narula reports a post-hoc analysis of the UNITI Crohn’s trials showing that early measurement of faecal calprotectin after induction therapy predicts clinical outcomes better than baseline measurements of calprotectin and than other week 6 clinical or biomarker data.

To provide a brief overview of the role of nutrition, diet and the dietitian in fertility, conception and pregnancy.