CLNICAL TRIALS WARSZAW

Ulcerative Colitis (UC)

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory process involving the mucous membrane of the rectum or colon. It belongs to the group of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and is characterized by the formation of ulcers that lead to bleeding and impaired gastrointestinal function. Like many immune-mediated conditions, UC proceeds with periods of exacerbation (flare-ups) and remission.

Ulcerative Colitis – Causes

The exact etiology of the disease is not fully understood. It is assumed that the development of inflammation is caused by a combination of several factors:

  • Genetics: Increased incidence in individuals whose close relatives suffer from inflammatory bowel diseases.
  • Immunological factors: An abnormal immune system response directed against the body’s own intestinal epithelial cells and bacterial flora.
  • Environmental factors: Stress, poor diet, and prior infections can trigger flare-ups in predisposed individuals.

Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis

Symptoms depend on the extent of the changes in the intestine. During an exacerbation phase, patients most commonly report:

  • Diarrhea: Often with the presence of blood, mucus, or pus (in severe cases, up to 20 bowel movements per day).
  • Abdominal pain: Usually cramp-like, intensifying before a bowel movement.
  • Urgent tenesmus: A painful feeling of incomplete evacuation.
  • General symptoms: Weakness, weight loss, fever, and anemia resulting from chronic bleeding.
  • Extraintestinal symptoms: Joint pain and swelling, skin lesions (e.g., erythema nodosum), or uveitis (inflammation of the eye).

Diagnosis and Diagnostics
The primary basis for diagnosis is an endoscopic examination (colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy) combined with taking tissue samples for histopathological examination. Microscopic images allow for the confirmation of characteristic changes, such as the loss of vascular patterns, mucosal fragility, or the presence of ulcers. Additionally, blood tests (including CBC, CRP, ESR) and stool tests (calprotectin) are performed to help assess the degree of inflammatory activity.

Goals of UC Treatment
Modern rheumatological and gastroenterological therapy aims not only to alleviate symptoms but, above all, to change the course of the disease.

The main objectives include:

  • Achieving and maintaining remission: Both clinical (disappearance of symptoms) and endoscopic (healing of the mucosa).
  • Preventing complications: Such as intestinal perforation, toxic megacolon, or the development of colorectal cancer.
  • Individualization of therapy: The use of anti-inflammatory drugs (aminosalicylates), glucocorticoids during a flare-up, and in resistant cases – immunosuppressive treatment and modern biological drugs.
  • Improving quality of life: Enabling the patient to function normally in professional and social life despite the chronic illness.

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Ulcerative Colitis (UC)

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