Despite advances in outpatient therapies, hospitalization for adults with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains common—and outcomes vary widely across institutions.
To address persistent gaps in inpatient management, the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) has released a new Clinical Practice Update outlining 13 best-practice recommendations for hospitalized adults with IBD.
Key themes include:
- Early hospitalization for severe, refractory disease or suspected complications
- Comprehensive evaluation for infections and IBD-related complications
- Structured supportive care during admission
The guidance also highlights emerging considerations, including extended venous thromboembolism prophylaxis, the evolving role of JAK inhibitors as steroid-sparing options in acute severe ulcerative colitis, and the growing use of intestinal ultrasound for real-time assessment.
The update reflects a broader shift: inpatient IBD care is becoming more protocol-driven, risk-stratified, and multidisciplinary.