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Ulcerative colitis

Description

An in-depth report on the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of ulcerative colitis.


Alternative Names

Inflammatory bowel disease; Colitis - ulcerative


Highlights

Drug Approval

Infliximab (Remicade) was approved in 2005 for treatment of adults with ulcerative colitis. It is the first biologic drug approved for ulcerative colitis (UC). According to results published in the New England Journal of Medicine , infliximab helped patients with moderate-to-severe UC achieve and maintain remission.

Quality of Life

UC symptoms impact many patients’ quality of life, according to a 2005 survey. Survey results indicated:

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDS such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), naproxen (Aleve), and celecoxib (Celebrex) are as safe for patients with UC as for other people, according to several 2006 studies. The studies found that NSAIDs may provide pain relief and prevent symptom relapse. However, patients should always discuss NSAID use with their doctors.

Complications

Patients with UC have an increased risk of developing other inflammatory and autoimmune conditions such as arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, psoriasis, and multiple sclerosis.

Colorectal Cancer and Ulcerative Colitis

Surgery

Ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) surgery triples the risk of infertility in women who have the procedure, indicates a 2006 study. Doctors think that the surgery may scar and block the fallopian tubes, making it more difficult for women to conceive.


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