Understanding Frailty in IBD: Implications for Clinical Outcomes and Multidisciplinary Care

Frailty is a complex syndrome characterized by a gradual decline in physical ability and a higher sensitivity to external stress. While it has traditionally been linked to aging, frailty is increasingly seen as an important factor affecting the health of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD mainly affects the gastrointestinal tract but is often associated with systemic manifestations, such as extra-intestinal symptoms/signs, malnutrition, muscle loss, and other health problems, all of which could contribute to frailty. There are various tools to assess frailty in IBD patients, even though it is often not recognized or evaluated well in standard clinical practice. Recent evidence indicates that frailty in IBD may be partly driven by ongoing inflammation and is an independent predictor of negative health outcomes (e.g., hospitalization rates, surgical complications, and mortality). Proper management of frailty in IBD needs a broad, team-based approach that focuses on controlling disease symptoms, improving nutrition, physical abilities, and managing other comorbidities. This review aims to give a clear overview of the causes, clinical evaluation, and treatment options for frailty in IBD, emphasizing the need for early detection and intervention.