admin A new study suggests that artificial intelligence can predict premature death among individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Researchers used machine learning to analyse data from over 9,000 people in Ontario who had IBD and died between 2010 and 2020. The study, published today in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, found that half of these deaths occurred before the age of 75, which is considered premature.
The study found that individuals were more likely to die prematurely if they had been diagnosed with other chronic conditions—such as arthritis, high blood pressure, kidney failure, cancer, and mental health issues—before the age of 61.
Senior author Dr Eric Benchimol, a paediatric gastroenterologist, explained that people do not typically die from IBD itself. Instead, the findings highlight the importance of monitoring and managing other chronic illnesses in people with IBD as early as possible.
“I think what’s important here is that a gastroenterologist can no longer work in isolation,” said Benchimol, who practises at SickKids Hospital and is also a senior scientist at the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES), which provided patient data for the study. “We need to be aware of everything else affecting people with IBD and ensure they receive co-ordinated care.”
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis cause inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, interfering with digestion and nutrient absorption, according to Crohn’s and Colitis Canada. Instead of normal bowel movements, patients often experience urgency, diarrhoea, and bloody stools.
IBD is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors that impact the gut microbiome. Benchimol noted that smoking and early antibiotic use are two factors associated with the disease.
IBD is increasingly common in Canada, and its prevalence continues to rise. By 2035, more than one in 100 people in the country are expected to have the condition.
The study’s identification of chronic diseases linked to IBD was not unexpected, Benchimol said, but it underscores the need for better, more integrated care for those affected.
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