Inflammatory Bowel Disease

IBD.

Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, microscopic colitis, collagenous colitis, lymphocytic colitis. 

Must not donate.

If diagnosed with microscopic colitis, collagenous colitis, lymphocytic colitis only, accept if:

• asymptomatic for more than four months, and
• any deferral required for steroid or immunosuppressive therapy has passed.

Autoimmune Disease
Immunodeficiency
Steroid Therapy

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis usually have a chronic, relapsing course and require long-term treatment. These diseases will often have systemic effects, e.g. Fatigue or anaemia, and there can be association with other disorders, e.g. arthritis, which effects the donor’s general health.

Lesions in the gastrointestinal tract of individuals with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis caused by the disease can increase the risk of bacteria entering the blood stream. Bacteria in donated material can multiply to dangerous levels during storage.

Microscopic colitis and its subtypes (collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis) are classified as inflammatory bowel diseases. However, there is a lower likelihood of relapsing disease and longer-term complications. Individuals with microscopic colitis can donate once their symptoms have settled and they feel well. A four-month deferral ensures the donor’s recovery is maintained. Care should be taken to ensure that, as well as complete cessation of gastrointestinal symptoms, donors are not experiencing any extra-intestinal symptoms such as fatigue, arthralgia or myalgia that affect normal activities of daily living.

Part of this entry is a requirement of the Blood Safety and Quality Regulations 2005. 

Link updated from 'Immunosuppression' to 'Immunodeficiency' in the 'See if Relevant' section.

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