The renal and urologic complications of inflammatory bowel disease

Extraintestinal manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are common. Clinically significant renal/urologic complications occur in 10-15% of patients with IBD. In this article, we review the incidence, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of the various renal/urologic complications. In general, renal/urologic complications in IBD may be directly related to the underlying intestinal disease process (acalculous hydronephrosis, fistula formation, abscess) related to metabolic consequences of the disease (urolithiasis) or to the medication used in the treatment of IBD. Less clearly understood complications include amyloidosis and glomerular disease. Renal/urologic complications of IBD represent a potential source of significant morbidity and mortality. Clinicians caring for patients with IBD should therefore be familiar with the various manifestations of these complications, as well as appropriate preventative measures and treatment.