In recent years, the therapeutic goals in ulcerative colitis (UC) have become increasingly stringent. Histological features seem to be a reliable predictor of disease outcomes after therapy, and histological remission (HR) is the new frontier in the treatment of UC. Here, we first provide a historical perspective before reviewing indexes in the era of biologics; histology as a treatment goal in UC trials; the poor correlation between symptoms, endoscopy, and histology; and the impact of histology on disease outcomes. HR seems to be a promising end point for the treatment of UC because it is typically associated with better outcomes. Two new validated indexes are available to assess histology more accurately in trials, and they may also be applicable to clinical practice. Additional interventional trials are now necessary to establish definitions of HR and its potential for disease modification.

Background and Aims We aimed to summarize existing data on the effectiveness of vedolizumab in extra-intestinal manifestations [EIMs] in inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]. Methods We conducted a systematic literature search in PubMed and the Cochrane Library, up to October 2018. Interventional and non-interventional studies as well as case-series studying vedolizumab and EIMs in adult patients with IBD were considered eligible. Results Three interventional studies [one randomized trial, n = 1032; and two open-label trials, n = 347], five non-interventional studies [n = 1496] and three case-series [n = 17] were included. Vedolizumab did not show any effectiveness in primary sclerosing cholangitis [PSC]. While no effect was seen in pre-existing manifestations regarding arthralgia and arthritis, the occurrence of new rheumatic symptoms was lower among vedolizumab users compared to placebo; occurrence was higher, however, with vedolizumab than with tumour necrosis factor inhibitors. Finally, vedolizumab appears not to be efficacious for the treatment of cutaneous manifestations. Conclusions There is no strong evidence to suggest that vedolizumab may be efficacious for the treatment of pre-existing EIMs [especially PSC, rheumatic and cutaneous manifestations], although it may reduce the occurrence of new EIMs.