Ulcerative Colitis

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Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease that involves chronic inflammation of the lining of the large bowel. Unlike Crohn’s disease, which can occur anywhere along the digestive tract, UC only affects the colon and rectum. UC causes swelling of the intestinal wall, in addition to ulceration of the large intestine. Symptoms vary, but often include abdominal pain and diarrhoea. UC is a chronic debilitating disease that may lead to life-threatening complications. UC treatment is aimed at reducing symptoms, controlling flares and maintaining remission1.

For mild to moderate UC, aminosalicylate drugs (mesalazine or 5-ASA) are prescribed as a first-line therapy1. Patients who do not respond sufficiently to 5-ASA treatment, may require treatment with immunosuppressants and anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids and/or biologics1.

1.Third European Evidence-based Consensus on Diagnosis and Management of Ulcerative Colitis. Part 2: Current Management. Harbord M et al. J Crohns Colitis. (2017) Jul 1;11(7):769-784