Value of colonoscopy for prediction of prognosis in patients with ulcerative colitis

Takafumi Ando, Yuji Nishio, Osamu Watanabe, Hironao Takahashi, Osamu Maeda, Kazuhiro Ishiguro, Daisuke Ishikawa, Naoki Ohmiya, Yasumasa Niwa, Hidemi Goto

Research output: Contribution to journalEditorialpeer-review

12 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disorder characterized by exacerbations and remissions. Some UC patients remain refractory to conventional medical treatment while, in others, the effectiveness of drugs is limited by side-effects. Recently, cyclosporine and leukocyte removal therapy have been used for refractory UC patients. To predict the efficacy of these therapies is important for appropriate selection of treatment options and for preparation for colectomy. Endoscopy is the cornerstone for diagnosis and evaluation of UC. Endoscopic parameters in patients with severe or refractory UC may predict a clinical response to therapies, such as cyclosporine or leukocyte removal therapy. As for the patients with quiescent UC, relapse of UC is difficult to predict by routine colonoscopy. Even when routine colonoscopy suggests remission and a normal mucosal appearance, microscopic abnormalities may persist and relapse may occur later. To more accurately identify disease activity and to predict exacerbations in UC patients with clinically inactive disease is important for deciding whether medical treatment should be maintained. Magnifying colonciscopy is useful for the evaluation of disease activity and for predicting relapse in patients with UC.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2133-2138
Number of pages6
JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology
Volume14
Issue number14
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 14-04-2008
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Gastroenterology

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