COVID-19 in patients with IBD and pancreaticobiliary disorders

Evidence shows that COVID-19 can exacerbate symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and pancreaticobiliary disorders, and it is important to distinguish between an IBD exacerbation and symptoms caused by COVID-19. Although IBD does not appear to increase the risk for COVID-19 or worsen outcomes, corticosteroids can increase the risk and should be avoided when treating these patients. Pancreatic and biliary disease have been described in patients with COVID-19, but it is not clear whether COVID-19 induces these diseases. For facilities resuming endoscopic procedures, there are consensus guidelines for minimizing the COVID-19 transmission risks with these procedures.