Initial medical management of severe acute ulcerative colitis

Severe colitis is life-threatening complication of ulcerative colitis. Early recognition of the severity of the colitis, intensive medical therapy and prompt surgery when necessary have all contributed to improved outcome. Initial medical treatment should be instituted as soon as the diagnosis is made with an intravenous corticosteroid associated with supportive treatment. If the patient fails to response to this intensive treatment after 5-7 days, cyclosporin should be initiated. If cyclosporin is not used then colectomy should be performed immediately. Moreover, significant deterioration at any point during medical therapy is an indication for colectomy. The gravity of the patient's condition require close interaction between physician an surgeon.