[Value of serology and endoscopy and clinical aspects in idiopathic rectocolitis]

The clinical course of ulcerative colitis is characterized by recurring acute attacks and interspersed with periods of remission. The present study correlates the clinical, endoscopic and laboratory results in the follow-up of 22 rectocolitis patients in order to identify any data that might serve as a warning of recurrences. It is claimed that laboratory examinations like titering of alpha 1-antitrypsin, antithrombin III collagenase, C3 and C4 offer useful support for endoscopy which is generally considered the only reliable examination in the diagnosis of idiopathic rectocolitis.