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.