[Medical therapy in ulcerative colitis]

Salazosulfapyridine(SASP) and 5-aminosalicyclic acid(5-ASA) are useful in the therapy of mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis. 5-ASA lacks sulfa moiety of SASP and is associated with a decreased incidence of side effects. In patients with moderate or severe ulcerative colitis, glucocorticoids which may be given in conjunction with SASP or 5-ASA are beneficial in producing remission. Proctitis or left-sided colitis is effectively treated with glucocorticoid enemas. If symptoms are refractory to outpatient management, the patient should be hospitalized and given initial therapy with glucocorticoids. Total colectomy(ileo-anal anastomosis; IAA et al) must be considered for acutely ill patients not responding to intensive medical therapy. Early surgical consultation is necessary in severely ill patients.