P480 Comparison of executive functioning profiles among adults with Crohn's disease and Ulcerative colitis
Zelnik Yovel, D.(1);Meyer, S.(2);Richter, V.(1);Shirin, H.(1);Broide, E.(1);
(1)Shamir Medical center, Gastroenterology, Zerifin, Israel;(2)Ariel University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ariel, Israel;
Background
Psychological factors that influence inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) outcome can impact patients’ ability to cope and aid the management of the disease. Executive functions (EFs) are cognitive processes, which enable the achievement of selected goals and overcoming new challenges. The role of EFs in the management of IBD is still not fully understood.
We assess the EFs in IBD patients and compare EFs between patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC).
Methods
An anonymous online survey, including demographic, clinical data and the validated self-report BRIEF-A questionnaire, was sent to adult IBD patients. BRIEF-A score above 65 is considered an impaired EF. Logistic regression was used to study the association between disease type (UC vs CD) and suspected EF deficits, while controlling for potential cofounders by use of a propensity score.
Results
148 IBD patients (34% UC) with mean age of 31.5 years old (50% females) were included. BRIEF-A scale and index scores were within the normal range (<65). Most of the scores were significantly better in CD than UC patients: shift (57.9 vs 52.7, p=0.015), monitor (50.54 vs 46.24, p=0.029), working memory (57.83 vs 52.18, p=0.03), plan (54.97 vs 49.2, p=0.005), organization of materials (52.95 vs 48.98, p=0.019). CD patients had a better Global Executive Composite (59.27 vs 53.7, p=0.008).
Conclusion
IBD patients in the study had normal EF profiles assessed by the BRIEF-A questionnaire. However, UC and CD patients presented different executive profiles. Understanding these differences can enable interventions that may improve patient's quality of life.