Ulcerative Colitis Practice Guidelines in Adults

INTRODUCTION

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a disorder characterized by diffuse mucosal inflammation limited to the colon. UC is usually a chronic disease which involves the rectum and may extend proximally in a symmetrical, circumferential, and uninterrupted pattern to involve parts or all of the large intestine. The hallmark clinical symptom is bloody diarrhea often with prominent symptoms of rectal urgency and tenesmus (painful straining at stool). The clinical course is marked by exacerbations and remissions, which may occur spontaneously or in response to treatment changes or intercurrent illnesses [1] [2]. Ulcerative colitis affects approximately 250,000 individuals in the United States with an incidence of 2-6 per 100,000 people per year; the prevalence has remained relatively constant over the last five decades.

Henoch-Schönlein Purpura

Henoch-Schönlein purpura, also referred to as anaphylactoid purpura is a systemic vasculitis syndrome characterized by palpable purpura (usually distributed over the buttocks and lower extremities), arthralgias, gastrointestinal signs and symptoms, and glomerulonephritis. It is a small vessel vasculitis.

Incidence And Prevalence

Henoch-Schönlein purpura is usually seen in children, age from 4 to 7 years; however, the disease may also be seen in infants and adults. It is not a rare disease, accounting for approximately 5 and 24 admissions per year at one pediatric hospital. The male to female ratio is 1.5:1. A seasonal variation with a peak incidence in spring has been noted.

Read the rest of this entry »