Which statement is NOT an expected finding in acute inflammatory bowel disease?

Which statement is NOT an expected finding in acute inflammatory bowel disease?

• A. Bloody stools containing mucus
• B. Pallor
• C. Anorectal excoriation
• D. Increased serum prealbumin

Answer: (D)

In acute inflammatory bowel disease, mucosal injury and inflammation produce several predictable signs: bloody stools with mucus from ulcerated colon lining, pallor from blood loss and anemia, and anorectal excoriation from frequent diarrhea and local irritation. A marker like prealbumin reflects nutritional status and is suppressed during acute inflammation; it behaves as a negative acute-phase reactant, so its level typically decreases rather than increases. Therefore, an increased serum prealbumin would not be expected in an acute flare, making that statement the one that does not fit.

In acute inflammatory bowel disease, mucosal injury and inflammation produce several predictable signs: bloody stools with mucus from ulcerated colon lining, pallor from blood loss and anemia, and anorectal excoriation from frequent diarrhea and local irritation. A marker like prealbumin reflects nutritional status and is suppressed during acute inflammation; it behaves as a negative acute-phase reactant, so its level typically decreases rather than increases. Therefore, an increased serum prealbumin would not be expected in an acute flare, making that statement the one that does not fit.