New Tool to Assess Frailty in Older IBD Patients

Research aims to improve risk assessment for older Inflammatory Bowel Disease patients

Researchers are developing a new frailty assessment tool specifically designed for older patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). This initiative responds to the growing number of older individuals living with IBD, with approximately 25% of all IBD patients aged over 65. The aim is to better identify those at higher risk of adverse side effects from IBD medications, improving personalised care and treatment decisions.

Challenges with current assessment methods

Many medications used to treat IBD carry higher risks for older patients. Traditionally, chronological age has been used as a marker to assess risk, but this approach may not accurately reflect an individual’s vulnerability. Frailty, a clinical syndrome characterised by decreased physiological reserve and increased vulnerability to health stressors, is considered a more precise indicator of risk in older patients.

However, assessing frailty in IBD patients is complicated by overlapping symptoms between frailty and the disease itself. This overlap can make it difficult for clinicians to distinguish between the effects of IBD and those of frailty, potentially leading to inaccurate risk assessments.

Development of an IBD-specific frailty tool

The project aims to create a frailty assessment tool tailored specifically for IBD patients. This tool is intended to help healthcare professionals identify which patients are ‘fit’ for advanced IBD therapies and which are at higher risk of serious side effects. By distinguishing between these groups, clinicians can have more informed discussions with patients about their treatment options.

The ultimate goal is to personalise care plans to improve quality of life for older IBD patients by minimising the risk of adverse outcomes while optimising treatment effectiveness.

Potential impact

• Improved identification of patients at risk of medication side effects
• Enhanced ability to personalise treatment decisions
• Better communication between clinicians and patients regarding treatment risks and benefits
• Potential to improve overall quality of life for older IBD patients

This research reflects a growing recognition of the need for age-appropriate assessment tools in managing chronic diseases such as IBD, where patient vulnerability can vary widely beyond chronological age.

Source: Leeds Hospitals Charity