Ulcerative Colitis

Abstract

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by continuous mucosal inflammation that starts in the rectum and extends proximally. Typical presenting symptoms include bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, urgency, and tenesmus. In some cases, extraintestinal manifestations may be present as well. In the right clinical setting, the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis is based primarily on endoscopy, which typically reveals evidence of continuous colonic inflammation, with confirmatory biopsy specimens having signs of chronic colitis. The goals of therapy are to induce and maintain remission, decrease the risk of complications, and improve quality of life. Treatment is determined on the basis of the severity of symptoms and is classically a step-up approach. 5-Aminosalycilates are the mainstay of treatment for mild to moderate disease. Patients with failed 5-aminosalycilate therapy or who present with more moderate to severe disease are typically treated with corticosteroids followed by transition to a steroid-sparing agent with a thiopurine, anti-tumor necrosis factor agent, or adhesion molecule inhibitor. Despite medical therapies, approximately 15% of patients still require proctocolectomy. In addition, given the potential risks of complications from the disease itself and the medications used to treat the disease, primary care physicians play a key role in optimizing the preventive care to reduce the risk of complications.

Management of ulcerative colitis in Taiwan: consensus guideline of the Taiwan Society of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

“…Ulcerative colitis (UC), a form of IBD, is an immune-mediated disorder characterized by chronic mucosal inflammation of the colon and alternating periods of active disease and remission 1. While UC is not as common in Asian countries as it is in Western countries, the incidence and prevalence of UC have been steadily rising in Taiwan 234567.…”

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Protein Kinase Inhibitor Pyrrol Derivate

“…Chronic UC is characterized by erosions and ulcers development in the colon mucosa (in the acute stage), mucosa inflammation, and surface epithelium injury [3]. Very often colon mucosa regeneration is impaired, lipid peroxidation is escalated, and antioxidant system functionality is oppressed [4].…”

Downregulation of miR-214-3p May Contribute to Pathogenesis of Ulcerative Colitis via Targeting STAT6

“…The pathogenesis of UC involves complex interactions of multiple factors, including genetic, infectious, environmental, immunity, and psychological factors. It is remarkable that the intestinal immune system dysregulation and increased secretion of proinflammatory cytokines may be the principal pathogenesis of intestinal inflammation [2]. However, the precise etiology of UC is still unknown.…”