Vol. 7, Issue 3, Part B (2024)

Background: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), encompassing Crohn's disease (CD) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC), is a group of chronic inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract with increasing prevalence worldwide. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of Vitamin D on the clinical symptoms and signs of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), specifically focusing on Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.

Methods: This prospective cohort study at Najaf GIT Hospital will enroll 50 IBD patients (25 with Crohn's Disease and 25 with Ulcerative Colitis) to assess the effects of 800 IU/day Vitamin D administration. Clinical manifestations will be evaluated using the Harvey-Bradshaw Index for CD and the myo-score/disease activity index for UC, both before and four weeks after treatment.

Results: UC is more prevalent among younger patients and females, while CD is more common in older age groups and males. Employment status shows UC is more common among employed patients, and CD is slightly more prevalent among unemployed individuals. Vitamin D administration significantly increased the Grow Wellbeing score and decreased scores for Abdominal Pain, Abdominal Mass, Arthralgia, and Aphthous ulcers in CD patients, as well as reduced Stool Frequency, Rectal Bleeding, Mucosal Appearance, and Physician Rating of disease in UC patients. No significant differences were observed for other symptoms.

Conclusion: Vitamin D administration appears to have selective beneficial effects on certain clinical symptoms in patients with Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. It significantly improves wellbeing and reduces specific symptoms such as Abdominal Pain and Rectal Bleeding. However, its impact on other symptoms remains inconclusive, indicating the need for further research to fully understand its therapeutic potential in IBD management