Long-term prognosis of ulcerative colitis with onset in childhood or adolescence

From 1955 through 1974, 336 patients with ulcerative colitis diagnosed before age 21 years were studied. In 93 patients (29%), a blood relative had ulcerative colitis, one case of Crohn's disease being found. The total colon was involved in 63% of patients; the entire colon or all but the rectal stump was removed in 35%. Eighteen patients died, nine of carcinoma of the colon. Sixty-five percent of patients had symptoms for longer than 6 months before the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. If the diagnosis was delayed more than 24 months, there was a statistically significant correlation with increased rate of operations and complications and less good quality of life. When the 20-year study period was divided into two 10-year periods, the operative and complication rates were significantly different. Early diagnosis and treatment appear to improve the long-term prognosis of young patients with ulcerative colitis.