Natural History of Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD) are characterized by mucosal inflammation of the colon, which leads to bloody diarrhea, the hallmark clinical symptom of these disorders. UC and CD are the 2 major forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The etiology of these diseases is unknown, but is thought to be the result of a combination of factors, including the environment, the individual immune response, and genetics. Establishment of a diagnosis of IBD and differentiation between UC and CD rely on a combination of clinical, laboratory, and endoscopic observations.2584 UC will be the focus of this discussion, with emphasis on the natural history and burden of disease.
Due to the similarities in presenting symptoms and other commonalities, it may be difficult to differentiate UC from CD that involves the colon. Patients who have disease that can not be differentiated are said to have indeterminate colitis. The significant overlap in symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment between the 2 diseases necessitates that this discussion mention both diseases within some of the sections, although the primary focus for its content is UC.
Content on this page was last reviewed on October 31, 2009.
Content on this page was last changed on March 19, 2009.
References:| 2584. | Kornbluth A, Sachar DB. Ulcerative colitis practice guidelines in adults (update): American College of Gastroenterology, Practice Parameters Committee. Am J Gastroenterol. 2004; 99(7):1371-1385. |
Next Page: Search Information for Natural History of Ulcerative Colitis »