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Ulcerative colitis as a progressive disease: the forgotten evidence
Joana Torres1, Vincent Billioud, David B Sachar
1Henry D. Janowitz Division of Gastroenterology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York 10029-6754, USA.
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
|December 14, 2011
Summary
While early aggressive treatment benefits Crohn's disease, its role in ulcerative colitis is unclear. This review examines ulcerative colitis progression and potential benefits of early intervention for preventing bowel damage.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research
Background:
- Early aggressive treatment is standard for Crohn's disease to prevent irreversible bowel damage.
- The efficacy of this strategy for ulcerative colitis remains undetermined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the long-term structural and functional consequences of ulcerative colitis.
- To evaluate the potential impact of early, aggressive treatment on disease progression in ulcerative colitis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of ulcerative colitis progression.
- Analysis of disease progression forms and potential treatment impacts.
Main Results:
- Ulcerative colitis progresses through six main forms: proximal extension, stricturing, pseudopolyposis, dysmotility, anorectal dysfunction, and impaired permeability.
- The exact incidence of these complications is not yet established.
Conclusions:
- The optimal timing and aggressiveness of treatment for ulcerative colitis require further investigation.
- Preventive strategies for ulcerative colitis progression, similar to Crohn's disease, need more research.
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